Just got back from the east side of the state a few hours ago, and have the SB's hooked up next to the ST's listening to Jim's demo CD. Pretty amazing sound from a smaller speaker. Very ST-like in sound, bass is really impressive, though (obviously) not on par with the ST's. Top end is clear and open like the ST's, and the midrange has a lot of detail. I have to increase the volume from my normal listening levels with the ST's, but that's not a big deal. If my budget was $1295 for mains and I had a smaller size room I'd be hard pressed to find a better all round floor stander than this speaker. They aren't ST's, but they are pretty close. IMHO, another home run for Jim! Oh, and they look outstanding!
BTW, thanks to Mary, Ammar, Mike, and John. It was great talking to you all, getting the 'tour', seeing Mary and John again, and meeting Ammar and Mike. Ammar and Mike carefully loaded the speakers into our trunk, and they made it home without a scratch!